Payments Blog

There are already a variety of different connected devices available for consumers in today’s marketplace. There are voice-activated personal assistants, smart refrigerators, smart door and bike locks and smart thermostats, among many other devices. Only one of these devices, however, the voice-activated personal assistant, gives consumers the ability to order products and services. Soon, this capability will spread to other connected devices, allowing consumers to order seemingly anything, from any device.

The Internet of Things will open new and intriguing possibilities and opportunities that almost seem too good to be true. It’s somewhat inconceivable to think about washing machines, or any other connected device, having the capability to order products and services online. There’s already unbridled excitement, on behalf of the entire industry, about the potential of these devices.

It’s become harder than ever before for merchants to stand out in this new commerce world – both physical and digital. The shift in this space, from unassailable brick-and-mortar dominance to emerging digital influence, has happened so quickly that some merchants have been forced to adjust on-the-fly.

In the 21st century, we have experienced unparalleled technological innovation, which has helped spur the remarkable growth of digital commerce. While many consumers still rely on brick-and-mortar stores to purchase certain products and services, it’s become exceedingly rare for consumers to travel to these locations without their mobile phones. In this new landscape, more consumers than ever before are electing to stay home altogether, to purchase items through their mobile device or their desktop browser.

The Internet of Things is fundamentally changing the way merchants and consumers interact in the digital commerce world. In the past, consumers had to travel to brick-and-mortar stores to purchase their favorite products, however, over the last ten years, many of these same consumers have migrated to the digital channel, increasingly using their computers and mobile phones to purchase products and services.